CONGO/B: U.S.-Congo Debt Reduction Agreement

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001141 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/C, EB, AND AP/EPS PARIS PLEASE PASS TO AFRICA WATCHER FROM BRAZZAVILLE EMBASSY OFFICE E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: EFIN KTIA CF SUBJECT: CONGO/B: U.S.-Congo Debt Reduction Agreement signed July 8, 2005 Ref: STATE 124713 ¶1. As per authorization in reftel, Ambassador signed on July 8, 2005, the U.S.-Congo debt reduction agreement with ROC Minister of Economy, Finances and Budget, Pacific Issoibeka. The ceremony was covered by national press and television. ¶2. During the ceremony, remarks were made by both the Ambassador and the Minister. The Ambassador congratulated the Congolese government for the efforts that made the present agreement possible. She underlined that in the past two years many positive changes in the country's social and economic environment have been witnessed and encouraged the Congolese government to continue with its efforts. ¶3. The Minister, responding to the Ambassador's remarks, expressed the gratitude of the Congolese government for the continued and active support of the U.S. He emphasized that the signing of this agreement represents an important next step in working towards the improvement of the economic situation in Congo. He also congratulated and thanked the Ambassador for the hard work she has done in Congo over the past two and half years. At the end of the ceremony, the Ambassador responded to a few questions from journalists. ¶4. The ceremony was also attended by Econ/Cons Officer, the Resident Representatives of UNDP and the World Bank, representatives of the President's Cabinet, representatives of the Prime Minister Cabinet, representatives of the Ministries of Small and Medium- sized Enterprises, Commerce, Mining, Plan, and Foreign Affairs, and members of the Cabinet of the Finance Minister. ¶5. Two signed originals in French and English are being pouched to the Department under registry number 1802859 ¶6. Brazzaville Embassy Office - Sanders. Meece